The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a federal law, requires that Northeast State, with certain exceptions, obtain a student’s written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from higher education records. However, Northeast State may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless the student has advised Northeast State to the contrary in accordance with Northeast State procedures. FERPA applies to all students regardless of the delivery method (i.e., hybrid, Internet, telecourse, etc.). The primary purpose of directory information is to allow Northeast State to include this type of information from a student’s education records in certain College publications (such as an honor roll or other recognition lists, graduation programs, etc.).

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without the student’s prior written consent.

If a student does not want Northeast State to disclose directory information from his/her education records without prior written consent, he/she must notify Northeast State by completing a Non-Release of Directory Information form. This form is available in the Admissions and Records Office. A new form must be completed each academic year. Northeast State has designated the following information as directory information: